The SFN, the online television network recently launched by online pioneers and television veterans Stewart St. John and Todd Fisher, have announced its groundbreaking, appointment-viewing programming block featuring a slate of original, serialized content rolling out in television network style beginning with the second season of addictive soap DEVANITY and exclusive distribution of original drama series RIVER RIDGE.With the unprecedented, history-making move of establishing designated viewing times for original online content, The SFN boldly goes where no other online web network has gone, becoming the first to create a familiar yet unique experience for visitors and fans alike. ”It’s just the beginning of our roll out and we couldn’t be happier about the exciting shows in the lineup,” said Todd Fisher, co-founder of The SFN. “DeVanity will return for its second season, premiering Thursday, January 12 at 7 p.m. PT and air on Thursdays. River Ridge will premiere Friday, January 13 at 7 p.m. PT and continue its run on Friday nights.”
“RIVER RIDGE is a flagship series for our network and will be part of an exclusive lineup consisting of the highest quality shows that viewers, for the first time, will be able to tune in at specific times to watch,” said Stewart St. John, co-founder and president of The SFN. “We’re thrilled to include the beautifully crafted, socially conscious and entertaining new drama RIVER RIDGE in our stable of original series.”
“Protecting the purity of the project has been our sole priority and I am confident in placing River Ridge on The SFN,” said Tyler Ford, creator, writer and executive producer of RIVER RIDGE. ”The dichotomy of being paired with DEVANITY made the deal even sweeter and more enticing. Being included in a lineup of original programming of the highest caliber is an honor. Having a network share the same vision is rare and I feel extremely fortunate.”
“It is an amazing thing to pour all your creative energy into a project for months on end and then see it come to life and take flight,” said Signy Coleman, executive producer and one of the stars of River Ridge. ”I cannot begin to express my joy and excitement, my appreciation for becoming a part of the SFN family. Stewart and Todd share our vision for what we hope to create and bring to our fans, our amazing audience who has waited so patiently for this momentous occasion. My heart is full of gratitude for all the universe has presented… Tyler and I, RIVER RIDGE and our amazing cast have finally found our home.”
RIVER RIDGE brings one of the most eclectic, star-filled casts to the web. Emmy winner Julie Pinson, Emmy nominee Beth Ehlers, Emmy nominee Signy Coleman, Matthew Daniell, Danielle DiLorenzo, Mark Doherty, Seth Ford, Christina Jackson, Matt McAbee, Isabella Nolan, Jon Prescott, Shannon Sturges and Carrie Watt round out the cast.
The SFN has been embracing some of the most prolific creators on the web in recent months, including Michael Caruso (creator and star of the hit web soap DEVANITY), Julie Smith (creator and writer of comedy series FUMBLING THRU THE PIECES), Tim Baldwin & John Jackson (creators of the award-winning sci-fi series AIDAN 5) and soon to include Barry Dodd (creator of the Dark Shadows-esque RAGGED ISLE) and INDIE INTERTUBE's April Grant and Amanda Shockley — themselves veterans of the online world.
“The beauty of The SFN is that creators like Tyler Ford and myself can come together and support each other, and the genre that we love so dearly,” said Michael Caruso. “Tyler and I have always had an incredible amount of respect and admiration for each other both professionally, and personally, and I am proud and honored to have our shows stand next to each other as soaps move into the future. By embracing the differences in our series and endorsing them together we are proving that this genre is stronger when we are united than when we stand alone. I sincerely hope viewers will join us both on this exciting, groundbreaking journey.”
The SFN founders St. John and Fisher know something about creating content for the internet. They witnessed first-hand the launch of American Cybercast, the fledgling online television network created in 1995 by advertising firm Fatall & Collins. St. John was brought on to American Cybercast by television soap writer Sheri Anderson Thomas who hired him as head writer and eventually executive producer of the ground-breaking internet soap THE SPOT. In 2003, St. John and Fisher revived THE SPOT for a new generation of web heads, and simultaneously created a mobile version for Sprint, cross-platforming storylines between the web and cell. They also co-created the first half-hour scripted online series, CALIFORNIA HEAVEN, originally intended to run as original programming on AOL.
“Back when we started in this medium there wasn’t even a YouTube or Facebook in sight,” said Fisher. ”With broadband available in at least 65 percent of U.S. homes and with the proliferation of so many Internet, DVRs and wireless devices now, we believe the time is right to launch a network like The SFN.”
“The SFN is a destination place for original online web series created in-house as well as independently produced shows we’ve selected from leading-edge creators in the web and television worlds,” said St. John. “We’re also in talks with advertisers and sponsors for our network and wonderful slate of shows. We’re deeply passionate about the online space and its community. Community being the key word.”
“We’ve seen huge companies come and go, with millions of dollars going down the drain because they didn’t — and still don’t — understand the space,” added Fisher. ”The web is its own beast. It’s not TV, it’s not the movies, it’s not radio — it’s the web and it has its own set of rules. The first being that supporting each others creative endeavors is paramount to building a presence because it’s about connecting with each other.”
“RIVER RIDGE is a wonderful addition to the network,” added Fisher. “And, as the only original drama series airing exclusively on The SFN, in a designated time slot, we’re making history together.”
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Looks like SFN stands for Spectacular Freaking Network!
ReplyDeleteYES!!!
ReplyDeleteLOL - I totally agree with that statement!!!!!
ReplyDeleteTo the creators of RR: I'm really disappointed and offended that River Ridge would launch their series the day that OLTL is ending. January 13 should be devoted to honoring Llanview in the soap world - nothing else. It's insensitive to try to "steal OLTL's thunder" by launching a new series that day. Why not wait the day after or do it the day before? Please don't try to *use* my beloved show and the meaning behind its last day to publicize and launch your own series. It's self serving when your series has nothing to do with OLTL.
ReplyDeleteI've been anticipating RR for a long time, but the thought process behind this decision really confounds me. I'm really considering not checking out the show at all unless the premiere date changes.
I don't think they are trying to capitalize on OLTL, River Ridge has cultivated their own fan base and I don't think it matters about the date, every time they have released something it has been Friday the 13th, I think people are looking a lot deeper than necessary
ReplyDeletethe wait for river ridge has been long enoughhh as a community we need to support these shows!
and beth ehlers and julie pinson back on a quality show is EPIC!
ReplyDelete